Hakushu Distillery

HAKUSHU. WHERE INSPIRATION CONTINUES.

The Hakushu Distillery was founded half a century after Yamazaki. Keizo Saji inherited his father’s vision in his quest for innovation and constructed this second Suntory distillery in 1973.

Keizo Saji, the second Master Blender, inherited his father’s quest to push the boundaries of what a Japanese whisky could be. He had searched all over Japan for high quality water that will become the most delicately aromatic to produce whisky that people would love. After searching with tenacity to the headstreams of rivers and deep into rugged mountains, he found Hakushu.The Hakushu Distillery is without question one of the highest distilleries in the world, built amidst the deepest forests of Mt. Kaikomagatake in the Japanese Southern Alps.

The majestic forest that surrounds the Hakushu Distillery shelters an abundance of plant varieties reflecting the many expressions of Japanese nature. The malt whiskies born here are simultaneously blessed with a very particular microclimate, verdant forests, and water offering a rare softness and purity, only made possible by filtration of rain and snow through thousand-year-old granite rocks.

HAKUSHU, THE NATURE

The exceptionally soft mountain water of Hakushu originiates as clear-flowing rainwater and melted snow, which passes through Mt. Kaikomagatake of the Japanese Southern Alps and joins the Ojira and Jingu Rivers at the mountain foot.

With four distinctive seasons, the clear air and cool, humid climate of Hakushu’s vast forests allow the distillery, one of the few situated at an elevation of 700 meters or more, to produce high-quality whisky through a slow, unhurried process.

The four distinctive seasons of the abundant forest and exceptionally soft mountain water make Hakushu a very unique distillery.

HAKUSHU, THE NATURE

The exceptionally soft mountain water of Hakushu originiates as clear-flowing rainwater and melted snow, which passes through Mt. Kaikomagatake of the Japanese Southern Alps and joins the Ojira and Jingu Rivers at the mountain foot.

With four distinctive seasons, the clear air and cool, humid climate of Hakushu’s vast forests allow the distillery, one of the few situated at an elevation of 700 meters or more, to produce high-quality whisky through a slow, unhurried process.

WHISKY MAKING AT HAKUSHU

The water and environment at the Hakushu distillery is vastly different to that of the Yamazaki distillery; as is the creation process. At fermentation, artisannal craftsmen use solely wooden washbacks to encourage maturation by retaining heat in the cool air at the distillery.

A variety of pot stills and casks are carefully chosen to suit the high elevation and climate of Hakushu, ultimately producing an array of single malt whiskies with a variety of characters that reflect its surroundings.

WHISKY MAKING AT HAKUSHU

The water and environment at the Hakushu distillery is vastly different to that of the Yamazaki distillery; as is the creation process. At fermentation, artisannal craftsmen use solely wooden washbacks to encourage maturation by retaining heat in the cool air at the distillery.

A variety of pot stills and casks are carefully chosen to suit the high elevation and climate of Hakushu, ultimately producing an array of single malt whiskies with a variety of characters that reflect its surroundings.

TOUR INFORMATION

Hakushu Distillery Tour

In the beginning we introduce the craftsmen's dedication to producing a variety of distinctive whiskies at Hakushu Distillery, then later you can taste the component whiskies (not for sale) that makes up Hakushu Single Malt Whisky. This tour truly allows you to fully enjoy the whisky.

Distillery viewing (no viewing of production process/Free)

Free Reservation required

Feel free to enjoy whisky museum, shop, bar, and restaurant. There is no viewing of production process.

TOUR INFORMATION

Hakushu Distillery Tour

In the beginning we introduce the craftsmen's dedication to producing a variety of distinctive whiskies at Hakushu Distillery, then later you can taste the component whiskies (not for sale) that makes up Hakushu Single Malt Whisky. This tour truly allows you to fully enjoy the whisky.

Distillery viewing (no viewing of production process/Free)

Free Reservation required

Feel free to enjoy whisky museum, shop, bar, and restaurant. There is no viewing of production process.

The distillery is located 20 minutes by car from the Chuo Expressway Kobuchizawa IC to Suntory Minami Alps Hakushu Water Plant.

There is no parking place except for motor coaches and customers with disabilities. Please use public transportation when you visit. Please call us in advance if you would like to use parking place. It is strictly prohibited that parking neighbourhood facilities without permission.

Important note to visitors: For your safety and to ensure the quality of our products, we ask you to follow the instructions of the tour guide and not to disturb other visitors while visiting our distillery. Underage drinking as well as driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited by law. Soft drinks are available for minors and visitors who will be driving motor vehicles or riding bicycles. All children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Use a cookie to remember me. Only check this box if you are not using a shared device.

You need to be of legal drinking age in your country to enter this site. By submitting this form, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and UPDATED Privacy Policy. Enjoy Responsibly Drinkaware.co.uk. Suntory Whisky encourages responsible attitude to the consumption of alcohol and actively discourages abuse and inappropriate consumption.